greenland minerals & energy limited - rm research pty...
TRANSCRIPT
2 May 2017
ASX CODE: GGG
Spec. Buy-Target 29c
Greenland Minerals & Energy Limited Technical review commences...minor metals demand improves
Shenghe placement, board appointments
• Following the placement of A$4.6 million (late 2016), Shenghe Resources Holding Ltd
now holds 12.5% of GGG and Ms Wenting Chen has been appointed as a non-executive
director. Ms Chen has degrees in law, economics and business and has considerable
international experience covering mining, banking and financial markets.
Technical review in full swing
• Further to our early report (29/11/17) Shenghe and the Company are now working on a
technical review involving the optimisation of concentrate grade and recovery through
their relationship with state owned rare earth specialists Multipurpose Utilisation of
Mineral Resources (“IMUMR”). In addition, the technical committee will examine potential
flow-sheet improvements through the refinery. The review will also investigate the
recovery of additional products (e.g. lithium, zirconium) from Kvanefjeld.
• The technical review will be conducted in parallel with the mining license application and
should lead to significant CAPEX+/- OPEX savings and improved project economics.
Kvanefjeld a platform for Shenghe’s vertically integrated rare earth expansion
• Shenghe (market capitalisation A$3.0 billion) is based in Chengdu (Sichuan Province,
China) and has expertise in mining, beneficiation, metallurgy, separation and downstream
processing and marketing. Shenghe has its own downstream processing facilities
(including a plant in Vietnam) with access to cheap reagents. Shenghe established
Sheng Kang Ning Mining Investment in 2013 as their rare earth and precious metal
investment vehicle and Shenghe Resources (Singapore) Pte Ltd as their trading arm in
2015. RMR consider this is a clear sign of Shenghe’s desire to use Kvanefjeld as a
platform to expand their rare earth business interests.
Permitting
• A draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was submitted (late 2015) and is
currently being updated following comments by the Greenland Government. The Social
Impact Assessment (SIA) is also due to be submitted with over 90% of comments/
suggestions having been addressed. The Public Consultation Phase will followed
acceptance of the EIA and SIA. Highly experienced consulting firm Shared Resources
(ASX Announcement 20/4/2017) has also been appointed to assist with the SIA and EIA.
Price Catalysts
• Results of the technical review together with progress on permitting at Kvanefjeld are
near term drivers. We note the recent Chinese policies relating to tighter controls over
rare earth production, processing and supply and “strategic” recognition of rare earths
which are likely to put further upside pressure on REE prices with Nd, Pr, Tb, LA and Ce
already up 10-15% since January 2017.
Action and Recommendation
• RMR is maintaining its speculative buy on the back of our risked mid case NAV of A$0.29
based on conservative CHREO and U prices and assuming a 40% free carried interest
1
Capital Structure
Sector Materials
Share Price A$0.087
Fully Paid Ordinary Shares 1.0.b
Options (ex 8c, exp 30/9/18) 187.8m
Options (ex 20-25c, exp 24/2/18) 15.0m
Market Capitalisation (undil) A$87.3m
Share Price Year High-Low A$0.195-0.023
Approx Cash A$5.6m
Directors
Anthony Ho Non-Executive Chairman
Dr John Mair Managing Director
Ms Wenting Chen Non-Executive Director
Simon Cato Non-Executive Director
Major Shareholders
Citicorp Noms Pty Ltd 15.5%
JP Morgans Noms Aust Ltd 13.0%
HSBC Custody Noms Aust) Ltd 12.6%
Le Shan Shenghe Rare Earth Co 12.5%
Analyst
GT Le Page +61 8 6380 9200
Share Price Performance
EARNINGS FORECASTS 2017 2018 2019 2020
Net Profit (A$m) (1.5) (1.5) 98.9 89.7
Cash Flow (A$m) (1.5) (1.5) 127.3 141.0
CFPS (c) 0.00 0.00 0.11 0.12
CFM (x) (56.9) (67.5) 0.80 0.72
EPS (c) (0.00) (0.00) 0.08 0.08
PER (x) (56.9) (67.5) 1.13 1.13
DPS (c) - - - -
Div Yield (%) - - - -
INVESTMENT CASE
ROBUST ECONOMICS: RMR has increased its mid case NAV for GGG to A$351 million (29
cps) based on conservative metal prices and assuming a 40% free carried interest in
Kvanefjeld. We believe there remains significant share price upside based on further CAPEX
+ OPEX savings together with upside risk to CHREO + U prices.
LEVERAGE TO REE/ U PRICES: Our cash flow analysis suggests a 10% lift in rare earth
and uranium prices would drive our unrisked NPV10 for the project past A$2.6b (A$1.0 billion
or A$1.0 per Share attributable to GGG) a 27% increase over RMR’s base case valuation.
PEER ANALYSIS: GGG is undervalued as a stand alone REE (with no U credits). As we
move into the development phase cash flow valuation methods show there is medium term
upside >80 cents. Historical perceptions of high CAPEX, regulatory barriers issues and
complex metallurgy have weighed on GGG however we consider many of these issues have
been addressed or will be resolved in the next 12-18 months.
RESOURCE UPSIDE: A world class deposit with the Ilmaussaq Complex underpinning a
1.01 billion tonne resource containing 593 million pounds of U3O8 11.13Mt, 2.42Mt Zn. RMR
can ultimately see total JORC Resources in excess of 5 billion tonnes.
DEVELOPMENT: RMR believes that Shenghe are looking to fast track the Project with a
view to completing all permitting and other regulatory requirements required for the granting
of a mining license in early CY 2018.
2
Financial metrics are compelling...
...Risked NAV of 29 cps with up-
side based on potential for further
CAPEX +/- OPEX reductions
A 10% lift in CREO + U has a
significant impact on the GGG
valuation
REE prices are already up over
15% since the beginning of
2017 ...
Ilmaussaq is an enormous com-
plex with immense resource up-
side...
...only 15% of the project area has
been drilled
$0.15
$0.20
$0.25
$0.30
$0.35
$0.40
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$200.0
$250.0
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$500.0
Low (A$m) Mid (A$m) High (A$m)
GG
G S
ha
re
Pric
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A$
)
GG
G N
PV
10
(A
$)
Valuation Scenario
GGG Valuation Scenarios
Kvanefjeld Risked NPV 10
(60% disc)Net Assets/GGG Share
COMPANY OVERVIEW Greenland Minerals and Energy Ltd (“Greenland Minerals and Energy”, “GGG” or “the
Company”) is an exploration and development company focusing on the Kvanefjeld rare
earth-uranium-zinc deposit in southern Greenland of which it currently holds a 100% interest.
Figure 1 shows the proximity to key infrastructure including airports, a township and a deep
water port facility.
FIGURE 1: Kvanefjeld project in southern Greenland showing proximity to key infrastructure (source. GGG Feasibility
Study, May 2015).
Kvanefjeld is one deposit within a larger geological unit called the Ilmaussaq Complex
(Figure 1 & 2) located not far from the southern tip of Greenland near the town of Narsaq. In
addition to Kvanefjeld, the wider project area also includes the Sorensen (Zone 2), Zone 3
and Steenstrupfjeld deposits.
3
Narsarsuaq airport is located
45km east of Narsaq (35km from
project area)...
...Narsaq also has a deep water
port situated close to Kvanefjeld
and accessible via the fjords
FIGURE 2: Northern llimaussaq complex showing deposits that comprises the JORC resources together with important
drill intercepts. (source. GGG Feasibility Study, May 2015).
GEOLOGY AND RESOURCES At Kvanefjeld, mineralization (Figure 2) is hosted in a rock called lujavrite with the mineral
steenstrupine, a rare form of sodic phosphor-silicate mineral, being the main host to both rare
earths and uranium. The lujavrite occurs as part of a layered intrusive sequence comprised
predominantly of syenite and peralkaline granites.
1 TREO refers to Total Rare Earth Oxide and includes the rare earth elements in the lanthanide series plus yttrium.
TABLE 1: Kvanefjeld JORC Reserves (source. GGG PDAC Update, February 2016).
At more than 10mt of rare earth oxides, Kvanefjeld is the largest code compliant resource
(Table 1) outside of China. It is of such a scale as to be strategically significant to the REE
market in particular due to its high proportion of the more valuable heavy rare earths.
Given the scale of the deposit, its ease of access and the unique mineralogy that gives it
advantages in beneficiation and extraction, GGG has positioned the project to be an
important supplier of critical rare earths. Similarly for uranium, the Kvanefjeld deposit is one
of the world’s largest deposits, certainly at a grade approaching 300ppm, and has the
potential to be one of the worlds’ top ten producers.
As discussed in our previous report (RMR, 29/11/2017), if geological continuity between the
regional satellite deposits is confirmed, the ultimate resource size could exceed 5bt
containing more than 50mt of rare earths and 3b lb of uranium or a deposit approaching
Olympic Dam in terms of scale.
4
The Illimaussaq intrusive complex
measures 17 km x 8 km...
...the majority of mineralisation is
hosted in lujavarite within the
mineral steenstrupine
Tonnes & Grade Contained Metal
JORC Tonnes TREO U3O8 Zn 1TREO U3O8 Zn
CATEGORY Mt ppm ppm ppm Mt mlb Mt
Proven 43 14,700 352 2,700 0.63 15.136 0.12
Probable 64 14,000 368 2,500 0.90 23.552 0.16
Totals 107 14,281 362 2,580 1.53 38.688 0.28
Existing reserves are sufficient for
a 37 year mine life
Total JORC resources could ex-
ceed 5Bt...
...approaching the scale of Olym-
pic Dam in South Australia
Global JORC Resources are
1.01Bt for 593 m lbs U3O8 and
11.13Mt REE across Kvanefjeld,
Sorensen and Zone 3
FEASIBILITY AND OPTIMISATION STUDIES
FIGURE 3: Kvanefjeld mine layout (source. GGG, Feasibility Study, May 2016).
5
KVANEFJELD PRODUCTION PROFILE
Mining
Plant Feed (solids) 3Mtpa
Operating 365 days p.a.
Hours 24 hrs/day
Mine Life 37yrs
Production Ramp Up 3yrs
Mining Method Open Cut
Strip Ratio 1:1
Plant Feed
- U3O8 (ppm) 380ppm
- REE (%) 1.432%
Conc. Recovery
- Uranium 50.0%
- REE 80.0%
Refined Recovery
- Uranium 86.0%
- REE 87.0%
Nominal Plant Production
- Mixed Critical CREO 9,901tpa
- U3O8 equiv 475tpa
- Lanthanum Oxide 6,077tpa
- Lanthanum-Cerium Oxide 5,254tpa
- Cerium Hydroxide 9,846tpa
- Contained Zn in Conc. 6,079tpa
- Flurospar (Chemical) 8,713tpa
The location of Kvanefjeld is ide-
ally suited to open cut mining...
...situated on a plateau, the ore-
body lends itself to low strip ratios
contributing to very low mining
costs
The current pit design finishes in
ore indicating there is plenty of
scope to increase mine life
The Updated Feasibility mine
layout included a site for acid and
refinery plants...
The optimisation study reduced
capex by a further US$118m by
laying the refinery and concentra-
tor side by side however...
...the technical review is likely to
bring further process improve-
ments to the concentrator and
refinery - CAPEX +/- OPEX are
likely to be further reduced
TABLE 2: Kvanefjeld production parameters (source.
GGG, Updated Feasibility, May 2016).
A mining study was completed in May 2015
(further updated in May 2016) based on the
SRK JORC Resource estimates and is sum-
marized in Table 2.
The production profile is built around an open
cut mining method using standard drill/blast/
truck/shovel operations. An open cut is
planned to commence on the higher grade
portions of Kvanefjeld based on an annual
production rate of 3Mtpa (with a three year
production ramp up), using leased equipment
with forecasts from independent marketing
consultants.
The deposit is essentially a plateau with sur-
face outcrop with a concentration of higher
grade mineralization in the upper sections of
the orebody. This contributes to the very low
1:1 stripping ratios (and hence low mining
costs) over the 37 year mine life.
The mining layout is set out in Figure 3.
The current flowsheet design (Figure 4) cap-
tures 10% of the original ore mass, in the pro-
cess resulting in a high value REE and urani-
um concentrate. This includes four REE
streams with the primary product being
CMREO. Recent metallurgical work was
based around large scale, continuous pilot
plant operations in Finland. Leach extractions
were significantly improved in this recent
round of testwork (Figure 5).
FIGURE 4: Kvanefjeld mine layout (source. GGG, Feasibility Study, May 2016).
FIGURE 5: Comparison of optimised leach extraction pilot studies from the May 2015 feasibility study and the optimised
feasibility study (source. GGG, ASX Announcement, 6 April 2016).
Other key areas that were re-assessed in the optimisation study included;
• Equipment was upsized to deal with increased REE production.
• Reagents were reconfigured to increase recoveries.
• Shift rosters were re-configured.
• Weaker economic demand has led to a reduction in the prices of certain key materials
required for plant construction.
• Limestone crushing was changed to on-site rather than importing limestone.
• Mine rescheduling resulted in an increase in head grade from 1.35% - 1.43% REO in
the early years of the mine life.
• A smaller village was required on the basis of the adjusted shift rosters.
6
Further process improvements
are likely with the arrival of
Shenghe
Overall REE recoveries improved
from 55% to 68% as a result of
the recent optimisation studies
The optimisation study resulted in
many improvements to infrastruc-
ture, mining and processing...
...resulting in significant costs
savings and improved financial
metrics
Infrastructure
Kvanefjeld does have some infrastructure already in existence including a deep water
harbour, hotels and accommodation, restaurants and schools, a supermarket, water supply,
a medical clinic and a helipad. Infrastructure still required includes;
• An accommodation village.
• Power supply (currently demand is for 36mw however this may reduce further).
• Expanded water supply,
• Additional roads and infrastructure channels, and
• Harbour capacity requires expansion.
GGG and Shenghe are currently examining the infrastructure requirements (ASX
Announcement 31/1/2017) and a metallurgical flowsheet that produces an intermediate
product specific to the Shenghe separation plants could lead to reduced infrastructure and
utilities requirements.
RARE EARTHS OUTLOOK In late CY 2016, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced a
reduction in annual rare earth production limits to 140,000 tonnes by 2020 that reflects major
industry consolidation, greatly increased environmental standards and substantial progress in
eradicating illegal supply. A Resources Plan was announced by the China Ministry of Land
and Resources for the period 2016-2020 which identifies rare earths as among the 24
strategic minerals of national interest. Given these policy statements and forecasts of
increased demand, particularly for magnet-related REE, sophisticated portable computing
devices, hybrid cars and the renewable energy expansion plans in Western countries upward
pressure on REE should continue. Of particular interest is the growth in demand (Figure 6)
and balance indices (Figure 7) for magnetic metals such as Pr, Nd, Tb, Dy which comprise
around 70% of the REE production by value at Kvanefjeld. Notably up to 40% of all NdPr
supply in 2015 was attributed to illegal production.
FIGURE 6: CAGR projections for various REE uses.
(source. REE Metals Outlook Update: Demand, and Pricing 2014-2020, Adamas Intelligence, June 2015).
FIGURE 7: Nd/Pr supply and price forecasts (source. REE Metals Outlook Update: Demand, and Pricing 2014-2020,
Adamas Intelligence, June 2015).
7
Infrastructure requirements are
currently under review
Permanent magnets account for
25% increase in REE demand in
tonnes and 80% in REE demand
by value...
Nd and PR are required to pro-
duce NdFeB permanent magnets
which are the strongest perma-
nent magnets commercially avail-
able...
...a key enabler in the green ener-
gy & E– mobility sectors
Demand for rare earth magnetic material is project to increase to in excess of US$7 billion by
2020. Nd and Pr are also projected to increase by over 30% after 2021 due to the looming
supply shortfall. The NdFeB magnets represent the strongest permanent magnet commer-
cially available and are 10 times stronger and three times more powerful than traditional fer-
rite magnets (Figure 9).
FIGURE 9: CAGR projections for various REE uses (source. Lynas Corp August 2016. Diggers & Dealers Mining Fo-
rum Presentation).
FIGURE 10: REE production profile at Kvanefjeld by volume and value (source: GGG ASX Announcement 4 April
2016).
Demand for RE magnets forecast
to grow by 10% p.a. 2016-2020
FIGURE 9: REE prices from 2016 (source: Association of China Rare Earth Industry—ACREI).
NdFeB Magnets 10x more power-
ful and 3 x lighter than traditional
ferrite magnets...
Pr, Dy and Nd account for 92% of
the value of projected REE pro-
duction at Kvanefjeld
REE prices are already up over
15% from the beginning of the
year
URANIUM OUTLOOK
The World Nuclear Association (WNA) reported that there are 440 nuclear reactors operable
in 30 countries as of March 1, 2016 capable of generating 384 GW of electricity and supply
over 11% of the world's electrical requirements.
As of March 1, 2016, 65 nuclear reactors are under construction in 14 countries including
China (24 under construction-Figure 11), Russia (8), India (6), the United States (5), South
Korea (3) and UAE (4).
FIGURE 11: China U3O8 demand, reactor units & capacities (source: UPC, Presentation, October 2016).
There are a total of 238 reactors that are either under construction, or planned around the
world. An further 337 reactors are proposed with the potential to be operating by 2030.
According to UxC, ("Uranium Market Outlook-Q1 2016"), global nuclear power capacities are
projected to increase by 39%, from 379.4 GW (in 2015) to 527.8 GW (2030), of which China
accounts for 70% and India, South Korea and Russia collectively making up a further 25%.
UxC also estimate that uranium demand (including inventory build-up), could grow by > 30%
to 257.0mlbs U3O8 by 2025, representing an increase of >50% from estimated demand,
excluding inventory build-up, of 168.5mlbs of U3O8 in 2015.
FIGURE 12: U3O8 (mlbs) market demand v mid case production (source: UPC, Presentation, October 2016).
9
Strong reactor growth in China in
projected...
65 nuclear reactors are currently
under construction....
...with 238 either planned or under
construction
FIGURE 13: U3O8 (mlbs) price history (source: UPC, Presentation, March 2017).
Despite positive fundamentals (Figure 12), U3O8 prices had recently fallen to just USD$18 per
pound U3O8 (Figure 13) albeit on thin trading volumes. The current low prices are likely to
negatively impact new mining projects in the near term, however utility buying has increased
in response to low U prices. The accumulation of U3O8 by countries such as China and India,
could also have a significant impact on U prices in the near term. Both countries have
recently signalled their intention to increase their uranium inventories. To conclude, RMR
believes there is a shortfall in U3O8 production developing from 2017 onwards and we expect
a recovery in U prices 2H CY 2017.
PEER COMPARISONS
FIGURE 14: Global Uranium Resources Mlbs (source: Roskill, 2016).
GGG now has by far the largest rare earth resource outside China (Figure 14) – it being
more than double in size of its nearest rival. It also has a high proportion of valuable heavy
rare earths placing it in the “quality” portion of the deposit universe.
As we move in to the pre-development stage our reliance on asset based methods of
valuation decreases and we focus on earnings based methods (see Estimate of Value).
However a quick snapshot does show that GGG on the basis of its Enterprise Value/TREO
remains relatively undervalued compared to its peers (Table 3, Figure 15).
10
China and India are likely to in-
crease their uranium inventories
in response to demand increases
and current low spot U prices....
Kvanefjeld remains the largest
REE and second largest REE
deposit outside of China
TABLE 3: Stock exchange listed REE developers/explorers/producers showing EV/REE per tonne of JORC Resources.
FIGURE 15: Stock exchange listed REE developers/explorers/producers showing EV/TREO per tonne of JORC
Resources.
Looking at uranium benchmarks, GGG has an Enterprise Value per pound of U3O8 of around
10 cents (ignoring the value of REE and using the global JORC resource base of 593mlb)
compared to a weighted average of A$0.33 for the peers (Table 4, Figure 16). Even as a
stand alone uranium play and discounting REE to zero, GGG appears significantly
undervalued.
TABLE 4: Stock exchange listed uranium developers/explorers/producers showing EV/U3O8 per pound of JORC
Resources.
11
Company Ex Code EV ($m) Res (Mt.) EV/T REE Project Country Status
Peak Resources ASX PEK $41.77 3.70 $11.30 Ngualla Tanzania Feas
Greenland Minerals & Energy ASX GGG $77.20 11.14 $6.93 Kvanefjeld Green Feas
Arafura Resources ASX ARU $21.91 1.40 $15.65 Nolans Bore Aust Feas
Hastings Technology Metals ASX HAS $39.33 0.09 $452.39 Yangibana Aust Pre-Feas
Northern Minerals ASX NTU $69.90 0.06 $1,233.68 Browns Range Aust Pre-Prod
Rare Element Resources OTC REE $7.75 0.54 $14.35 Bear Lodge USA Pre-Feas
Texas Rare Earth Res Corp OTC TRER $9.98 0.53 $19.01 Round Top USA Pre-Feas
Tasman Metals TSX TSM $43.96 0.19 $232.47 Norra Karr Sweden Pre-Feas
Kvanefjeld remains the largest
REE and second largest REE
deposit outside of China
GGG compares favourably to
other advanced REE projects on
an EV/TREO basis....
Company Ex Code EV ($m) Res (Mlb) EV/lb Project Country Status
Cauldron Energy ASX CXU $9.97 150 $0.07 Yanrey Aust Scop
Greenland Minerals & Energy ASX GGG $77.20 593 $0.13 Kvanefjeld Green Feas
Fission Uranium Corp TSX FCU $283.18 1429 $0.20 Paterson Lake Can Pre-Feas
Vimy Resources ASX VMY $41.74 220 $0.19 Mulga rock Aust Pre-Prod
Toro Energy ASX TOE $63.90 230 $0.28 Wiluna Aust Feas
Peninsula Energy ASX PEN $77.45 200 $0.39 Lance USA Prod
Berkeley Energia ASX BKY $146.23 200 $0.73 Salamanca Spain Feas
$14.35
$6.93$11.30 13 $15.65
$19.01
419 1292
$0.00
$10.00
$20.00
$30.00
$40.00
$50.00
$60.00
$70.00
$80.00
$90.00
REE GGG PEK MEAN ARU TRER HAS NTU
EV
TR
EO
(t)
Enterprise Value/TREO t
Pre Feasibility
Feasibility Feasibility
Pre-Prodn
Pre Feasibility
Feasibility
Pre Feasibility
>$400 >$1,200
FIGURE 16: Stock exchange listed uranium developers/explorers/producers showing EV/U3O8 per pound of JORC
Resources.
While EV/lb U3O8 is possibly not the most reliable valuation methodology given that uranium
comprises approximately 9% of revenue from Kvanefjeld, it still provides some insight as to
the unrecognised value of GGG’s substantial uranium resources.
ESTIMATE OF VALUE
In April 2016 (ASX Announcement 19/10/2016) GGG announced the results of the May 2015
Feasibility Study revision which saw a substantial improvement in project economics driven
in large part by a reduction in capital costs from A$1.3 billion to $832 million (Table 5). The
Net Present Value (NPV10) also increased from A$1.36 billion to A$1.56 billion. RM
Research view this as significant as the capital costs were viewed by the market as a
significant impediment to the project moving forward.
By utilising Shenghe’s processing technology, and access to cheap reagents, there is further
scope to reduce infrastructure requirements and capital costs to perhaps A$500 to $600
million. This would still see mining, concentrating, and production of an intermediate rare
earth concentrate, U3O8, zinc and fluorspar in Greenland, with additional rare earth
processing undertaken off-site. The subscription agreement between GGG and Shenghe
considers further project-level investment once optimisation studies have been completed
and permits have been received. Project level investment could be up to 60%, but further
investment will be the subject of future negotiations, agreements, and regulatory approvals.
This agreement could see GGG free-carried through project development into production.
12
RMR consider further CAPEX
savings are likely if Shenghe co-
develop Kvanefjeld...
...Shenghe have provided the
market with an insight as to their
medium term ownership goals at
Kvanefjeld
The Feasibility Study revision in
April 2016 significantly enhanced
project economics
GGG appears undervalued even
as a pure uranium play
$0.00
$0.10
$0.20
$0.30
$0.40
$0.50
$0.60
$0.70
$0.80
CXU GGG FCU VMY TOE PEN BKY
EV
/U3O
8 l
b
Enterprise Value/lb U3O8
Production
Scoping Study
Feasibility Study
Feasibility Study
Feasibility Study
Pre-Feasibility Study Pre-Prod
TABLE 5: Comparison of 2015 and 2016 revised Kvanefjeld feasibility study (source: GGG ASX Announcement 4 April
2016).
FIGURE 17, 18: Graphical summary of key financial metrics comparing the 2015 and 2016 revised Kvanefjeld feasibility
study (source: GGG ASX Announcement 4 April 2016).
Aside from the metallurgical improvements, the reconfiguring of the concentrator and refinery
(now side by side) also resulted in a US$118 million CAPEX reduction (Figure 17, 18). As
stated earlier in this report we believe that both these plants can be eliminated by utilising
Shenghe’s downstream processing infrastructure.
13
FINANCIAL METRICS 2015 2016
Project Finance A$m $1,790.92 $1,094.61
NPV A$m $1,841.84 $2,096.03
Discount Rate % 8% 10%
Internal Rate of Return % 22% 43%
Free Cash Flow A$m $9,443.55 $11,683.03
Payback yrs 6 5
REVENUE
Total A$m $993.55 $935.39
- Uranium A$m $96.32 $67.11
-Critical Rare Earth Mixed Oxide A$m $769.34 $805.00
-Lanthanum & Cerium Products A$m $108.82 $44.21
-Other by products A$m $19.08 $19.08
COSTS - ANNUAL AVERAGE
Project Opex A$m p.a. $312.37 $331.71
Separation Costs A$m p.a. $250.53 $108.95
Total Cost A$m p.a. $562.89 $440.66
Total Cost - A$/kg A$/kg $25.42 $14.71
MARGIN
Opex after Separation Costs A$m $433.68 $494.87
REFINERY RECOVERIES
- Uranium % 90% 86%
- REE % 70% 87%
A significant improvement in the
recoveries of REE together with
reductions in CAPEX were the
key takeaways from the 2016
revised Feasibility Study...
...improved recoveries also result-
ed in a 40% drop in total costs per
kilogram of contained REE
...RMR considers there is still
scope to reduce CAPEX by utilis-
ing Shenghe’s existing down-
stream processing infrastructure
The revised feasibility study has
provided a robust set of financial
metrics with significant implica-
tions for GGG
Sensitivity Analysis and GGG Impact
Given the arrival of a truly global REE player (Shenghe) with the balance sheet to develop
this project, RM Research believes we are now able to “join the dots” and provide a more
realistic valuation assessment scenario based on the assumption that Shenghe are likely to
end up with a direct interest in Kvanefjeld in the order of 60% with the possibility of GGG
being free carried for their 40% residual interest. We have undertaken a sensitivity analysis
(Figure 18) based around the publicly released feasibility data (6 April 2016) with some
adjustments including an allowance for a 2.5% royalty (RM Research estimate) on revenue
to the Greenland Government and assuming a 40% direct free carried interest in Kvanefjeld.
Figure 19 summarises our CAPEX (+/-20%), CRMEO and U grade (+/-10%) and CRMEO
and U prices (+/-10%). This gives us a range of NPV10 outcomes of A$1.22 billion to $2.14
billion (or A$612 million to A$1.07 billion attributable to GGG). This translates to an NPV10
per GGG Share of A$0.57 to A$1.00 on what RM Research believes are relatively
conservative U and CHREO prices.
FIGURE 19: Sensitivity analysis of Kvanefjeld and share price outcomes for GGG.
Notably the variance in CRMEO + U prices has the largest NPV impact which could see
some upside and further volatility as REE recover. We believe there is a strong possibility
that CAPEX will be reduced significantly (possibly by as much as 25%) if GGG can utilise
Shenghe’s existing downstream separation facilities.
Valuation
Our valuation (Figure 20, Table 6), assumes a 40% project interest and has been undertaken
on a high, low and preferred basis and incorporates a A$10 million (low), A$15 million (mid)
and A$20 million (high) for exploration. Given that only 15% of Kvanefjeld has been drill
tested, we believe this is a relatively conservative assumption. Our confidence level in
respect to this valuation has improved based on more certainty around project funding,
downstream processing and product sales (notably rare earths).
14
We are now able to provide a
window into the implied valuation
of GGG in a production situation
CRMEO and U prices variances
have the largest impacts on
NPV10 outcomes for GGG...
+25%Capex
-25%Capex
-10%CREMEO+ U
Prices
+10%CREMEO+ U
Prices
-10%U +
CRMEO
Grade
+10%U +
CRMEO
Grade
NPV10%/Sh 0.69 0.80 0.54 0.95 0.73 0.76
NPV10% in A$m $828 $967 $653 $1,142 $880 $915
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$0.50$0.55$0.60$0.65$0.70$0.75$0.80$0.85$0.90$0.95$1.00
NP
V10 (
A$m
)
GG
G S
hare
Pri
ce
(A
$)
GGG attributable NPV10% scenarios
15
Our short term share price target
for GGG remains 29 cents
FIGURE 20: Valuation and share price scenarios for GGG.
Low (A$m) Mid (A$m) High (A$m)
Kvanefjeld NPV 10 (post tax) $652.6 $897.3 $1,141.9
Kvanefjeld Risked NPV 10 (70% discount) $261.1 $358.9 $456.8
Exploration (Kvanefjeld) $10.0 $15.0 $20.0
Cash (incl Opt exercise for Mid + High) $5.6 $24.3 $24.3
Debt $0.0 $0.0 $0.0
Corp Overhead -$37.0 -$46.3 -$55.5
NET ASSETS $239.7 $351.9 $445.5
Fully Diluted Shares (m) 1,004 1,207 1,207
Net Assets/GGG Share $0.24 $0.29 $0.37
TABLE 6: Valuation and share price scenarios for GGG.
We believe that a 25% reduction
in CAPEX is possible if
Shenghe’s downstream separa-
tion processing facilities can be
utilised...
$0.15
$0.20
$0.25
$0.30
$0.35
$0.40
$150.0
$200.0
$250.0
$300.0
$350.0
$400.0
$450.0
$500.0
Low (A$m) Mid (A$m) High (A$m)
GG
G S
ha
re
Pric
e (
A$
)
GG
G N
PV
10
(A
$)
Valuation Scenario
GGG Valuation Scenarios
Kvanefjeld Risked NPV 10
(60% disc)Net Assets/GGG Share
CORPORATE GGG announced (ASX Announcement 23/9/2016) a placement of 125 million Shares at 3.7
cents per share to Shenghe Resources Holding Ltd, and its 99.99% subsidiary Le Shan
Shenghe Rare Earth Co., Ltd for $4.625 million. The placement was subject to shareholder
and Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval. Anti-dilution rights apply so
Shenghe are able to maintain a 12.5% interest. Shenghe have the right to appoint a non-
executive director to the board of GGG.
KEY RISKS
POLITICAL RISK: We believe the recent agreements allowing the export of Uranium with
Denmark have eliminated much of the political risk. Together with the support from the
Greenland Government, which is very keen to see an economic benefit from Kvanefjeld
(Greenland’s most important project), RM Research sees a diminished political risk associat-
ed with the project. There has been some adverse press in the Greenland media based on
the leaked EIA that stirred some on line commentary, which is a sign there is still some oppo-
sition in Greenland to the Project, albeit with a vocal minority.
PERMITTING/APPROVALS/LICENSING: The primary risk moving forward is the granting of
a mining license and associated permitting and approvals. These include an environmental
impact study, impact benefit agreement, social impact and maritime study. Given it is likely
that downstream processing will take place offsite, we cannot envisage any issues with the
granting of a mining license in early CY 2018 (based on the 2015 feasibility study).
COMMODITY PRICE OUTLOOK: REE comprises over 90% of the revenue from Kvanefjeld
and RM Research see risk to the upside with a projected shortfall in magnetic REE such as
Nd, Pr, Dy and Tb as demand for specialty metals in batteries and cars increases. RM Re-
search also see medium term upside risk for U particular with the projected shortfall in U
production from 2017.
METALLURGY/PROCESS RISK: An important breakthrough over the last 18 months has
been the significant improvement in U and REE recoveries. Together with the likelihood of
offsite downstream processing, RM Research considers that this risk as been, to a large
extent, dealt with through successful concentrator and refinery pilot studies in 2015.
FINANCE RISK: Based on the results of the Feasibility Study we consider that the project
economics are robust with sounds financial metrics including an IRR of over 40% and a pro-
ject NPV10 of over A$1.6 billion. The primary risk is sourcing the A$1.09 billion in capital re-
quired to develop the project. We believe that the utilisation of existing offshore processing
facilities will see a very significant reduction in capital expenditure with a corresponding re-
duction in power requirements. RM Research believes that there is a strong possibility that
Shenghe will be farming into the project and carry GGG’s CAPEX share.
The utilisation of Shenghe’s
downstream processing facilities
should significantly reduce the
processing risk
Shenghe are likely to be farming
into this project therefore eliminat-
ing much of the capital risk to
GGG
16
Shenghe have the right to ap-
point a non-executive director and
retain anti dilution rights in GGG
RM Research believes a mining
license should be issue late CY
2017
DIRECTORS
Mr Anthony Ho, B.Comm, CA, CAIDC, FCIS, FGIA CHAIRMAN
Mr Tony Ho is an experienced company director having held executive directorships and
chief financial officer with a number of publicly listed companies. Tony was also executive
director of Arthur Yates & Co Limited until April 2002. His corporate and governance
experience includes being chief financial officer/finance director for M.S. McLeod Holdings
Limited, Galore Group Limited, the Edward H O’Brien group of companies and Volante
Group Limited.
Mr Ho is currently the chairman of Apollo Minerals Limited and the Audit Committee, a non-
executive director of Hastings Rare Metals and chairman of the Audit Committee and non-
executive chairman of Bioxyne Limited.
Anthony was the past non-executive chairman of St. George Community Housing Limited
(November 2002 to December 2009) where he was also a member of the Audit and
Remuneration Committees. Prior to joining commerce, Mr Ho was a partner of Cox
Johnston & Co, Chartered Accountants, which has since merged with Ernst & Young.
Dr John Mair, PhD (Econ Geology), Member AusIMM, Member SEG MANAGING DIRECTOR
Dr John Mair holds a PhD in Economic Geology from the University of Western Australia,
and held the position of Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Mineral Deposit Research Unit
at UBC, Vancouver. John has published a number of papers in leading international
geoscience journals and presented Masters short course modules.
John has extensive experience in the Australasian resources industry, as well as the industry
in northern and central America. Prior to joining Greenland Minerals and Energy, he was a
project coordinator for Vancouver-based Geoinformatics Exploration Inc, who in alliance
with Kennecott, were exploring northern British Columbia, Yukon, and Alaska for large
porphyry copper, gold and molybdenum deposits. This period provided a depth of experience
in dealing with operations in high-latitude environments.
John joined Greenland Minerals and Energy in 2008, became a member of the board of
directors in 2011, and moved to the role of Managing Director in 2014. Dr Mair has a proven
track record in project management, a variety of capital raising mechanisms, and corporate
and political negotiations. He presents in technical, commercial and political forums globally.
Ms Wenting Chen, L.L.B. B.Ec., M.B.A. NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ms Wenting Chen holds degrees in Law, and Economics majoring in International Trade,
from Nanjing University. She has additionally completed a Master’s Degree in Business
Administration, and the Bar Examination in China.
Ms Chen commenced her career at the Bank of Nanjing, before joining the East China
Exploration Bureau (ECE) in early 2007, working in the investment department specializing
in overseas mining project investments. She has considerable international commercial
experience, and has been directly involved in several acquisitions in Australia and an Initial
Public Offering on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange.
Prior to leaving ECE, Ms Chen was General Manager Assistant of ECE’s overseas
subsidiary.
Ms Chen joined Shenghe in early 2014 to lead the overseas investment department and is
the representative of Shenghe, to the board of GGG.
Simon Cato, B.A., MSDIA NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mr Simon Cato has had over 20 years capital markets experience in both broking and
regulatory roles. He has been employed by ASX in Sydney and in Perth in the companies
department that oversees the activities of listed companies. Over the last 12 years, he has
been an executive director of two stockbroking firms. As a broker he has also been involved
in the underwriting of a number of initial public offerings. Mr Cato is also a director of
Transactions Solutions International Limited, Advanced Share Registry Limited,
Queste Communications Limited and Convergent Minerals Limited.
17
Dr Mair has multi-commodity
experience across numerous
deposit styles
Simon was formerly an employee
of ASX working with new listings
Anthony has extensive accounting
and financial experience relating
to public listed companies
Wendy has considerable interna-
tional commercial and public com-
pany experience
18
CAPITAL STRUCTURE 2017 2018 2019 2020 SURPLUS FUNDS 2017 2018 2019 2020
# Shares (m) 1,004 1,004 1,191 1,191 Net Profit -$1.5 -$1.5 $92.6 $84.0
Opt (ex 8c, 30/09/18) (m) 187 187 - - + Working Capital Adj $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0
Opt (ex 20-25c, 18/19) (m) 15 - - - + Dep/Amort $0.0 $0.0 $32.9 $54.3
Exercise Price (A$) 0.08 0.08 - - + Asset Sales $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0
Total Shares on issue (m) 1,004 1,191 1,191 1,191 + Premium Income $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0
Share Price (A$) 0.087 0.087 0.087 0.087 - Exploration Expend $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0
Market Cap (undil) (A$m) 87.3 87.3 87.3 87.3 - Capex $0.0 $0.0 $6.3 $6.3
- Loan Repayment $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0
PRODUCTION FORECASTS 2017 2018 2019 2020 - Dividends $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0
Attrib REE Production (tpa) - - 24,701 24,701 - Assets Purchased $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0
TREO Grade (%) - - 1.35% 1.35% CASH FLOW -$1.5 -$1.5 $119.2 $132.1
U Grade (ppm) - - 380 380 + Equity (Rts,plc,opts) $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0
Attrib U3O8 Production (Mlb) - -
1.08
1.08 + Loan Drawdown $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0
Other (La, Ce Oxide, Zn, Fluor) (Ktpa) - - 63,100 63,100 TOTAL SURPLUS (A$m) -$1.5 -$1.5 $119.2 $132.1
PROFIT & LOSS 2017 2018 2019 2020 EARNINGS RATIOS 2017 2018 2019 2020
A$:USD$ - - 0.80 0.80 CFPS (c) (0.00) (0.00) 0.11 0.12
U3O8 Revenue - - $32.03 $32.03 CFM (x) (56.89) (67.54) 0.80 0.72
REO Revenue - - $382.09 $382.09 EPS (c) (0.00) (0.00) 0.08 0.08
La + Ce + Zn + Oth - - $30.06 $30.06 PER (x) (56.89) (67.54) 1.13 1.13
TOTAL REVENUE - - $444.19 $444.19 DPS (c) - - - -
Operating Costs (A$m) - - $209.3 $209.3 Div Yield (%) - - - -
Dep/Amort (A$m) - - $32.9 $54.3
Royalties $22.2 $22.2 ASSET VALUATION A$m A$/sh
Corporate Overheads (A$m) 1.5 1.5 $1.5 $1.5 Kvane NPV 10 (post tax) 841.2 0.79
EBIT (A$m) (1.5) (1.5) $200.4 $179.0 Kvane Risk NPV10 252.4 0.24
Interest Expense (A$m) - - $0.0 $0.0 Explor (Kvane) 15.0 0.01
EBT (A$m) (1.5) (1.5) $200.4 $179.0 Cash 23.0 0.02
Abnormal Gain (A$m) - - $0.0 $0.0 Debt - 0.00
Operating Profit (A$m) (1.5) (1.5) $200.4 $179.0 Corp Overhead (46.3) -0.04
Tax (A$m) - - $107.9 $95.0 NET ASSETS 244.115 0.23
NPAT (1.5) (1.5) $92.6 $84.0
Tonnes & Grade Contained Metal
FINANCIAL POSITION 2017 2018 2019 2020 JORC Tonnes TREO U3O8 Zn 1TREO U3O8 Zn
ASSETS CATEGORY Mt ppm ppm ppm Mt mlb Mt
- Cash + Debtors (A$m) $3.0 $1.5 $127.0 $265.3 Proven 43 14,700 352 2,700 63.21 15.136 0.12
- Property, Plant & Equip (A$m) $75.0 $76.2 $345.3 $304.4 Probable 64 14,000 368 2,500 89.6 23.552 0.16
TOTAL ASSETS $78.0 $77.7 $472.3 $569.7 Totals 107 14,281 362 2,580 152.81 38.688 0.28
LIABILITIES Resources are inclusive of reserves and are not equity accounted
Debt (A$m) $1.2 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 Reserves and resources are depleted by production
Trade Creditors (A$m) $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0
Interest Payable (A$m) $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 EARNINGS FORECASTS 2017 2018 2019 2020
TOTAL LIABILITIES $1.2 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 Net Profit (A$m) -1.5 -1.5 98.9 89.7 NET ASSETS $76.8 $77.7 $472.3 $569.7 Cash Flow (A$m) (1.5) (1.5) 127.3 141.0
CFPS (c) 0.00 0.00 0.11 0.12
CFM (x) (58.2) (69.1) 0.81 0.74
EPS (c) (0.00) (0.00) 0.08 0.08
PER (x) (58.2) (69.1) 1.16 1.16
DPS (c) - - - -
Div Yield (%) - - - -
Disclaimer / Disclosure
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RM Research Recommendation Categories
Care has been taken to define the level of risk to return associated with a particular company. Our recommendation ranking system is as follows:
Buy Companies with ‘Buy’ recommendations have been cash flow positive for some time and have a moderate to low risk profile. We expect these to outperform the broader market.
Speculative Buy We forecast strong earnings growth or value creation that may achieve a return well above that of the broader market. These companies also carry a higher than normal level of risk.
Hold A sound well managed company that may achieve market performance or less, perhaps due to an overvalued share price, broader sector issues, or internal challenges.
Sell Risk is high and upside low or very difficult to determine. We expect a strong underperformance relative to the market and see better opportunities elsewhere.
19